Due to uncertainty about who will replace "Dnipro-1" in the UPL, the start of the season in the first league has been postponed by a week — to August 3. For teams in the second-ranked football division, there is an additional opportunity for experiments with tactical schemes and a more thorough review of potential newcomers.

However, the main contenders for promotion have long determined their squads of players who will bear the burden of exhausting competition, and in recent friendlies they have focused on refining game connections.

The determination to win is evident among the footballers of "Bukovyna," who after a victory over "Karpaty" — 3:2 at home went on to dismantle the strong second-division team, "Skala 1911" — 5:1. One of Bukovyna's newcomers deserves mention — Maxim Hryhorenko, who came on as a substitute in the 79th minute and managed to score a brace, securing the rout.

Another contender for promotion, "Metalist 1925," has sought to strengthen its midfield: Brazilian Ari Moura signed a full three-year contract with the club after playing on loan there last season. The Kharkiv team also bolstered their ranks with experienced Yevhen Pasiich from "Dnipro-1." Under Viktor Strykus, the players have recently taken the upper hand over "Karpaty" — 1:0 and "Agrobiznes" — 2:1.

The Terнопіль team "Niva" has gradually managed to improve their aim, as they are being tested in friendlies against UPL representatives. First, they won in Rivne over "Veres" — 4:2, and then drew away from home with "Karpaty" — 3:3.

Balanced lineups appear to be those of "Left Bank" and "Epizentru," which allows them to improve with each friendly match.

In contrast, the head coach of "Zviazok," Yuri Virt, does not hide his interest in strengthening the team with three or four more qualified newcomers. Currently, the Polischuk team lacks stability; they lost their most recent friendly to "Pidhirtsi" — 0:3.

On the other hand, who has gained the most from the postponement of the season start is "Khust." Due to various reasons, the Zakarpattya team only returned from vacation on July 13 and managed to play just one friendly match against a youth squad of "Kryvbas" (2:2). The head coach of the "city dwellers," Volodymyr Tychkin, still has plenty of work ahead as there have been significant personnel changes in the team.